BENTONG: The Pelangai state by-election on Oct 7 will see a three-cornered battle between candidates of Barisan Nasional (BN), Perikatan Nasional (PN) and an Independent.

They are Bentong Umno division committee member Datuk Amizar Abu Adam from Barisan, Bentong PAS deputy chief Kasim Samat (Perikatan) and Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli, the Independent candidate using the car symbol.

ALSO READ : Nomination for Pelangai by-election on Sept 23

The line-up was announced by Pelangai by-election returning officer Datuk Mohammad Shahid Ismail at 10.16am at the nomination centre at Felda Kemasul Community Hall here on Saturday (Sept 23).

BN’s candidate Datuk Amizar Abu Adam (third from right) arriving at the nomination centre with his supporters on Saturday.

Mohammad Shahid announced that Amizar, 50, who was accompanied by a proposer and seconder submitted his nomination papers at 9.01am followed by Kasim, 63, one minute later and Haslihelmy, 36, at 9.08am.

The Election Commission (EC) fixed a 14-day campaign period starting today to 11.59pm on Oct 6 with early voting on Oct 3.

The by-election is being held following the death of assemblyman, Datuk Seri Johari Harun, 53, in a plane crash in Shah Alam, Selangor on Aug 17.

A total of 16,456 voters will be eligible to cast their ballots in the by-election including 36 police personnel and three overseas postal voters

Earlier, Amizar arrived at the nomination centre accompanied by supporters and Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Pahang Umno liaision committee chairman Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Kasim who had contested in the state seat before was accompanied by PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, Perikatan election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Pahang Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.

PN's candidate Kasim Samat (fourth from right) arriving at the nomination centre with his supporters.

The Pelangai by-election, the first by-election in Pahang after the 15th General Election (GE15) was held following the death of its incumbent Datuk Seri Johari Harun, 53, in an air crash in Shah Alam on Aug 17.

In GE15, Johari who represented Barisan won with a 4,048-vote majority to defeat Kasim (PN), Ahmed Wafiuddin of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Pejuang candidate Isa Ahmad.

The composition of Pahang state assembly seats after GE15 saw Barisan and Perikatan each having 17 seats while Pakatan Harapan won eight seats. The Pahang government was formed with the cooperation of Barisan and Pakatan. - Bernama